UP Partners With Walmart Vriddhi To Boost MSME Exports

Lucknow, Feb 18 (KNN) Uttar Pradesh has signed a strategic, non-financial memorandum of understanding (MoU) to integrate the state’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with global markets.
 
The agreement has been signed between the Export Promotion Bureau under the MSME and Export Promotion Department of the state government and the Ideas to Impact Foundation under the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Programme.
 
The MoU will remain valid for three years and may be extended by mutual consent. The partnership aims to enhance the global competitiveness of enterprises in Uttar Pradesh and strengthen their participation in domestic as well as international trade, reported Money Control.
 
Capacity Building and Digital Enablement
Under the collaboration, MSMEs across the state will receive structured capacity-building support, including training in digital enablement, e-commerce preparedness, packaging standards, quality compliance, certifications and market access strategies.
 
Entrepreneurs will be provided free training and mentorship through the Walmart Vriddhi programme to help them effectively participate in both domestic and cross-border e-commerce platforms.
 
Officials stated that the primary objective of the MoU is to boost exports and generate employment by integrating MSMEs into national and global value chains.
 
Aligned with Export Promotion Policy 2025–30
The initiative is aligned with the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy 2025–30, which places significant emphasis on promoting e-commerce-led exports.
 
Under the policy, first-time exporters are eligible for a one-time incentive covering 75 percent of e-commerce platform listing fees, capped at Rs 3 lakh. The measure is aimed at reducing entry barriers and facilitating global market access for exporters from the state.
 
Industry Response
Alok Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, MSME and Export Promotion and NRI Department, said Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a key hub for exports and e-commerce in the country. 
 
He noted that MSMEs form the backbone of the state’s economy and the partnership is expected to expand market access and create new growth opportunities.
 
Mukesh Singh, Chairman, UP Co-ordination Committee of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative. He said access to global buyers, adherence to international quality standards and digital readiness remain major challenges for small businesses.
 
Programmes such as Walmart Vriddhi, he added, can help bridge these gaps and accelerate export growth from Uttar Pradesh.
 
(KNN Bureau)